NATO reacts to massive Russian strikes on Ukraine
Photo: NATO plans to further strengthen Ukraine's air defense system (Getty Images)
North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) strongly condemns the missile and drone terror by Russian occupiers, as well as the strikes on peaceful cities and civilian objects in Ukraine. Member countries of the bloc will continue to strengthen the air defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to the statement from the NATO press service.
The recent large-scale air attacks by Russia within the Alliance are considered "another demonstration of Putin's attempts to break Ukraine's resolve."
"He will not succeed," the statement emphasizes.
NATO noted that "Alliance members have already provided Ukraine with a wide range of air defense systems and intend to further strengthen its defense."
The Alliance also confirmed support for Ukraine's right to self-defense against Russia's aggressive war.
"We will stand by Ukraine as long as necessary," the document states.
The NATO press service also highlighted that the Alliance is taking further steps to strengthen its defense and "enhance its presence and readiness from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea."
"In Poland, there are already over 10,000 allied troops and significant military potential, including NATO aircraft, defending Polish skies," the Alliance informed Polish journalists in a comment.
Massive rocket strikes by Russia on Ukraine
Recall that on January 2, Russian terrorists again attacked Ukraine with missiles and kamikaze drones of the Shahed type. The main target of the attack was Kyiv. With the efforts and means of the Ukrainian Air Defense Forces, 72 Russian missiles out of 99 were shot down, including all ten air-ballistic missiles Kinzhals. Despite the effective work of air defense in Kyiv and several regions, there are casualties and casualties. At least five people were killed and over 100 injured.
A few days before this, on December 29, 2023, Russian occupiers carried out the largest mass rocket attack on Ukraine, launching about 160 missiles of various types, excluding Kalibr. Ukrainian Air Defense Forces shot down 114 enemy air targets.
Calls for strengthening Ukrainian Air Defense
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged Western countries to expedite the supply of air defense systems and ammunition to Ukraine and provide the country with combat drones and long-range missiles.
Calls for support and strengthening of Ukrainian air defense were also heard in many European capitals. The head of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in particular, proposed that partner countries and allies respond to the shelling of Ukraine by strengthening sanctions against Russia and transferring long-range missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
